I find one of the most difficult aspects of baking ethnic recipes
is finding the right tools. This is an example — “Paska molds are
somewhere between the height of a souffle dish and a 3-pound coffee
can.” So this recipe uses either two 3-pound coffee cans or two 8-inch souffle dishes.
I have neither on hand, and always forget this until it’s too late. So
I’ve made due either with a Pyrex or Corning Ware casserole dish that is
8 inches across, or a wider mouthed (clean) flower pot that is also 8
inches across. (More on the flowerpot in my Pascha update post.)

Using a mixer: Sprinkle the yeast in the water to soften in the mixer
bowl. Add the milk, yolks, butter, sugar, zest, vanilla, salt, brandy
and 2 cups of the flour. Beat on medium-low for 2 minutes, adding the
flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides.
Add raisins and mix. Change to the dough hook and and continue kneading on medium low, adding
a tablespoon at a time.

Put the dough in an oiled bowl and coat the ball of dough with oil.
Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
(This is one of my frustrations with my kitchen. This always takes
longer for me, almost double the amount of time. I’m hoping my “proof”
setting in my new oven will change this.)

Meanwhile, heavily grease the
pans, and if desired sprinkle the sides and bottoms with bread crumbs. (If skipping the bread crumbs, do flour the pan.)

On an oiled surface, turn out the dough and set aside about
one-fourth (1/4) of the dough and cover it. Divide the remaining dough
and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the dough in the prepared
molds. Divide the remaining piece of dough into 4 equal pieces and roll
each one into a short dough equal to the diameter of the molds. Snip
the ends of each rope about 1 inch. Lay 2 ropes at right angles to each
other (the shape of a cross) on each loaf and curl the ends outward.

The decorations on top of the loaf are very individual, and can be ornate. These hints from Ukrainian Easter
by Mary Ann Woloch Vaughn are extremely helpful. One year I made a simple cross
and made an Alpha and Omega on either side of the cross, reminiscent of
the Paschal Candle decorations. (Graphics from Ukrainian Classic Kitchen: )
Cover allow a second rise for about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375
degrees F. with 10 minutes remaining. Right before baking beat the egg
with the cold water and brush over the top of each loaf.

Bake for 25 minutes until the internal temperate of the bread is 190
degrees F. Remove the bread from the pans immediately let cool on a
rack.

We give thee thanks, almighty God, for all your benefits, who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.

May the Lord grant us His peace. And life everlasting. Amen.

Alternate conclusion:And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

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